Defining US: Voices of Change

In this episode, Stacey DeWitt interviews Nicole Yarde, a passionate and dedicated educator and community leader committed to the development of students, educators, and families. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has made a career of developing programs that center on the social justice, liberatory education and social-emotional well-being. Nicole has developed several programs, including the Emerging Leaders for Social Justice Institute (ELSJI) within the Office of Equity and Access, with the goal of improving the personal relationships of youth and the way they relate and respond to injustice. Her recent project, The Change Agent Academy, focuses on liberatory education supporting the transformation of oppressive societal structures and promoting more just and equitable communities.

Nicole is resolute in dedicating her time, energy, and voice to disrupting historical, systemic, social and racial inequities that continually work to impede the advancement of students of color. Nicole holds a B.S. in English and Journalism from Medgar Evers College (CUNY) and an M.A. in International Education from NYU.

Powerful Moments  

Pay attention throughout this podcast to powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed, including:  

• 0:34 – Nicole discusses growing up in Barbados and how education played a key role in her life.
• 5:18 – Nicole discusses the stereotyping of black boys and the education practices surrounding them in this country.
• 9:24 – Nicole talks about Generational Trauma and the effect it has on a person. What does it mean to have a reinforced negative narrative?
• 17:53 – Nicole explains the approach of “starting with the mind” in her work and the importance of young men talking about how they feel. She speaks on educators and the need to begin with affirming young men, valuing them, and seeing them.
• 20:17 – Nicole explains what Generational Trauma means to her.
• 27:14 – Nicole explains her approach to social emotional learning and shares the story of the student who brought her to create the Change Academy.

Defining US uses the power of media and the promises of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US… Stacey DeWitt interviews Tami Pyfer. Tami Pyfer is the Vice President of External Affairs for UNITE – a nonprofit organization that promotes national unity and solidarity across differences. Tami also serves as Chief of Staff to UNITE President and CEO, Tim Shriver, and is the Utah Project Lead for the Dignity Index initiative. Before joining UNITE, Tami served as Education Policy Advisor to former Utah Governor Gary Herbert, where she was involved in state-level education policy development, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. She held local and state elected office for 12 years, including 4 years on the Utah State Board of Education. Tami’s professional training is in Special Education and before her appointment to serve on the Governor's executive team she worked at Utah State University, teaching coursework and supervising student teachers in the Special Education teacher preparation program. Tami and her husband Aaron are the parents of 5 children, and grandparents of 10.

Powerful Moments

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.

• 1:11 - Tami discusses her experiences and background in education and working on the State Board of Education in Utah.
• 5:58 - Tami discusses her experience with policymakers and the disconnect in communication between them and students, educators, and parents.
• 10:46 - Tami introduces the real meaning behind UNITE that it is not that everyone’s voices should be the same, it means that everyone’s diverse voices have a seat at the table and are heard.
• 19:33 - The introduction and importance of the Dignity Index.
• 26:10 - The introduction of the Dignity Index scale going from 1 through 8 and it is meant to ease divisions, prevent violence, and help us solve problems.
• 55:25 - The Dignity Index is not only for political conflict resolution, but also can apply to any conflict resolutions especially among educators.

For forty years, I was fortunate to lead the assessment, evaluation, and accountability departments of nine public school districts, including six of the largest in the nation – Washington, DC, Baltimore, St. Louis, Austin, Atlanta, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). In almost every instance, my position was relatively independent of the internal and external “politics.” As a result, I am not biased toward or against any particular theory, philosophy, or program. My only bias is to results.  Over the years, I have had a wide range of responsibilities including state and local test development, standards alignment, school improvement, information technology, and instructional technology. From 2014-2021, I supervised the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Information Technology, Instructional Technology, Assessment, Research, Evaluation, and Data and Information divisions. Over that period, our teams were credited with restoring the integrity and public trust in the district’s assessment, accountability, and data and information systems after the cheating scandal of 2008. During the COVID pandemic, these outstanding teams were also responsible for enabling and supporting the high quality, virtual programs provided each day to over 50,000 students who were forced to receive their daily instruction at home.  Since “retiring” from the Atlanta Public Schools, I’ve been very busy – working on a book, “How to Fix Our City Schools”, publishing a monthly newsletter (of the same name), and launching the Capital Schools Consulting Group (CSCG). CSCG services include executive coaching, training, evaluation, and data analytic services to district leaders and school boards. “How to Fix Our City Schools” is part memoir and part handbook and while I am very excited about finally completing an almost final draft, the process has made me even more acutely aware of the disappointment I feel about the missed opportunities and failures of the last forty years and my fear that they will continue indefinitely for future generations of poor and disadvantaged children.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:54 – Bill’s background and history of his career 
• 6:30 – Creating a teaching strategy myths and truths 
• 8:15 – Restoring public trust in public education  

• 13:19 – Standards and evidence-based designations around curricula 
• 19:00 – The effects of reading reform on students 
• 21:57 – The effects of reading reform on equity 
• 29:14 – Addressing all needs of all children 

As a passionate advocate for equity and access, Sikirat Mustapha uses her multifaceted interests in educational policy, finance and business to elicit change in her community. She attends Columbia University studying Statistics, Political Science & Business Administration. Sikirat can be seen mobilizing thousands at town halls, organizing rallies, speaking on panels, and constructing policies that work to eradicate the inequitable practices in NYC public schools through her work as the former Executive Board Member of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Council. As the founder and CEO of Sikirat Tutors, she developed an all encompassing youth enrichment curriculum that prioritizes a unique education where students are taught and mentored by other students. Sikirat's love for equity also branches outside of education, where she can be seen advocating for financial literacy, fair housing, and racial justice. This summer she spent time exploring Venture Capital with a boutique fund, actively investing in organizations impacting social reform for young people in NYC. With her free time, she enjoys exploring different cultures through food, music and dance.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:40 – Sikirat’s background and what she is currently working on 
• 4;15 – Addressing inequities in marginalized communities and educational policy with the proper tools 
• 7:01 – “The only thing that we can do is change the future.” 

• 8:32 – Sikirat discusses her education endeavor, Sikirat Tutors. 
• 12:56 – Importance of studying and understanding other cultures 
• 18:06 – Students of color don’t see themselves in higher positions in education or even in teachers and administrators 
• 23:38 – “Where does your hope come from?” 
• 26:10 – Darion and Sikirat discuss Defining Us: Children at the Crossroads of Change. 

• 27:35 – Darion shares his thoughts about the teacher shortage crisis and offers support 

As the first female CEO of the YMCA in 171 years, Suzanne McCormick joins the Defining US podcast with Stacey DeWitt to share her bold vision for the future. YMCA of the USA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, engaging 11 million members annually, including 4 million under the age of 18.

Suzanne became President and CEO of YMCA in September 2021. She has 27 years of experience as a local and national executive leader in the nonprofit sector, most recently as U.S. President for United Way Worldwide and a member of its global management team. As President, Suzanne was responsible for helping the 1,100 United Ways across the U.S. build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Under her leadership, the United Way tackled community challenges with innovative, equitable and systemic solutions. 

“Defining US” uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on social, political and cultural issues that matter.

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:08 – Suzanne McCormick discusses her experiences and the key things she’s learned in the changing times we’re living in
• 3:20 – The purpose the YMCA serves and its true impact on the community
• 6:40 – The importance of “local solutions”
• 9:40 – Suzanne’s background and what her motivator is for the work she does
• 14:50 – We need a moment of reconciliation
• 19:10 – The values of the YMCA
• 22:50 – Suzanne’s outlook for the YMCA in the future and the impact they can continue to have
• 26:15 – Working with the YMCA  

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context? 
• What are the implications to my practice? 
• How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• The Y on Facebook
• YMCA Twitter
• YMCA Instagram
• YMCA YouTube
• Listen to our previous podcast with Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide, Joshua B. Pedersen  

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

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Follow Our Host  

• Stacey DeWitt on Defining US
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
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• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!  

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Paul Nussbaum. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in Clinical Psychology and Geropsychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. He is the Founder and President of Brain Health Center, Inc. that provides independent medical examinations, record reviews, and case management for those suffering neurological and neurobehavioral disorders. An expert in neuroanatomy and human behavior, he has published many peer reviewed articles, books, and chapters within the scientific community. Dr. Nussbaum educates the public on the basics of the human brain and how to keep the brain healthy over the entire lifespan. He has presented his views on brain health at the United Nations, National Press Club, Mensa, Sirius Radio, and CSPAN. His keynote presentations are both informative and fun and he is often interviewed by the local and national press/media.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 0:42 – Dr. Paul Nussbaum’s background and why he became passionate for the work he does 
• 4;09 – How to position our brains to be loving, kind, and nurturing 
• 6:07 – The pressure for us to focus on how we perceive things
• 10:03 – The Importance of Mindfulness
• 11:55 – The Reflex Metaphor
• 14:15 – Use your cell phone in a good way
• 22:59 – Developing new strategies for constructive conversations
• 24:23 – Emotional intelligence in teaching 

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context? 
• What are the implications to my practice? 
• How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems? 
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• Dr. Paul Nussbaum's Brain Center Lifestyle Website 
• Dr. Paul Nussbaum's YouTube Channel 
• Dr. Paul Nussbaum on Instagram 
• Brain Health Lifestyle on Twitter
• @DrNuss 

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

• Defining US | Twitter   
• Defining US | Instagram 
• Defining US | Facebook 
• Defining US | LinkedIn
• Defining US | Spotify
• Defining US | PodBean
• Defining US | Apple Music 

Follow Our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!  

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be a start for change.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:25 - Scott’s backstory as a teacher and the inspiration behind his podcast, The Thoughtful Teacher
• 3:41 – Importance of developing the positive relationship as a teacher
• 5:30 – Issues in teacher retention
• 7:20 – The three issues teachers are facing today: COVID, Communication Issues, Control Issues
• 10:00 – Teachers are feeling scapegoated by issues in the world
• 12:01 – Importance of a teacher in helping students deal with social issues impacting them
• 13:15 – Unintended consequences of telling teachers to not talk about certain subjects
• 17:25 – What should school look like in the 21st Century?
• 18:32 – We have to be asking the right questions
• 19:00 – What are some solutions and how can everyone help?
• 21:45 – Take a lead from educators
• 23:00 – Everyone remembers the best teacher(s) they had.  

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context?
• What are the implications to my practice?
• How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• Scott Lee on Twitter 
• The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast
• Chief Academic Officer of LA Unified School District
• Marc Brackett, Ph. D. – Yale University
• Defining Us Podcast with Tim Shriver 

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

• Defining US | Twitter   
• Defining US | Instagram 
• Defining US | Facebook 
• Defining US | LinkedIn
• Defining US | Spotify
• Defining US | PodBean
• Defining US | Apple Music 

Follow Our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!  

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre. Patrick is the Principal of Paige Elementary in the Schenectady City School District. Dr. Jean-Pierre has years of combined experience in urban educational settings, which includes public schools, charter schools and universities. His range of professional experiences in the field of education includes teaching, counseling, and leadership development, as well as organizational consulting that fosters systemic change. 

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:18 – Patrick’s background and how he came into the position he is in now 
• 3:27 – “I didn’t want to go work anywhere that wouldn’t talk about race.” 
• 4:25 – Noticing disparities in his neighborhood at a young age 
• 5:48 – The importance of looking at diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything you do
• 10:06 – Ignoring an entire population of people and setting the wrong expectations
• 13:00 – Making changes is the only way to allow everyone to live to their full potential
• 14:32 – Shifting your mindset
• 23:06 – The importance of being a black principal
• 24:19 – Patrick’s reactions to Defining US
• 27:55 – “It’s really about a kind of inclusion and diversity that is broad and wide.”
• 31:15 – “Innovation is really about diversity 

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context?
• What are the implications to my practice?
• How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre on Defining Us 

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

• Defining US | Twitter   
• Defining US | Instagram 
• Defining US | Facebook 
• Defining US | LinkedIn
• Defining US | Spotify
• Defining US | PodBean
• Defining US | Apple Music 

Follow Our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!  

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Alison is the Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and one of the experts from the Defining US film. They discuss a variety of issues related to equity and how the pandemic is changing schools.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:37 – finding ways to build back social emotional learning and mental health 
• 3:00 – healing is needed following so much loss  
• 5:49 – the importance of relationships in teaching and teaching from the heart
• 6:35 – during the pandemic schools were doing so much more than online classes
• 9:01 – “Inequities worsened under the pandemic…” and the LAUSD Black Student Achievement Plan
• 10:10 – schools using restorative processes promoting equity
• 10:48 – community partnerships 
• 12:00 – connection between leadership and using data well to meet student needs
• 12:50 – higher education partnerships 
• 14:48 – the change process that is happening right now
• 17:49 – educators and students must be at the forefront of the dialog to bring about solving today’s problems  

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context? 
• What are the implications to my practice?
• How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• LAUSD Office of the Chief Academic Officer 
• Alison Yoshimoto-Towery on Twitter 
• Alison Yoshimoto-Towery guest blog at Defining US 

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

• Defining US | Twitter   
• Defining US | Instagram 
• Defining US | Facebook 
• Defining US | LinkedIn
• Defining US | Spotify
• Defining US | PodBean
• Defining US | Apple Music 

Follow Our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!  

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Troy Keller, a Director of Special Education for Maryland’s Frederick County Public Schools.  In the conversation, Stacey and Troy discuss the changed landscape of public education, the educator’s role in supporting students more holistically, and why our students with disabilities – and all students - need us to go all in on their behalf. 

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 3:10 – Vulnerability and Trust 
• 6:37 – A Whole Child Approach is our Obligation
• 8:00 - Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Special Needs
• 10:27 – A Changed Educational Landscape
• 14:51 – Debunking the Myths
• 21:29 – Why Attending to Needs Matters 
• 25:21 – The Continuum of Services is Individualized
• 32:41 – Navigating Differences for Full Potential
• 38:15– Equity in the Field
• 48:31 – Inclusion Helps All Learn
• 55:01 – Pearls of the Pandemic 

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context?
• What are the implications to my practice?
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder|Autism PDC
• Council for Exceptional Children
• CHADD
• @TroyDKeller
• [email protected] 

Follow Us to Join the Conversation 

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

• Defining US | Twitter   
• Defining US | Instagram 
• Defining US | Facebook 
• Defining US | LinkedIn
• Defining US | Spotify
• Defining US | PodBean
• Defining US | Apple Music 

Follow Our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

Check Out More Defining Us Programming 

If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!